Important Medical Question...epi pens?

[tnelson0119]

This will be the first flight/trip for my 15 year old daughter since we discovered her severe peanut and shrimp allergies. She, obviously, carries an epi pen. My question is two part:

First, Airports...how do they handle things like epi pens? She can't put it in checked baggage. That would totally defeat the purpose.

Second, Disney/Universal theme parks...when they check bags, will they allow her to bring it in?

Obviously, she has a prescription for it. Does we just need documentation that she NEEDS it?

Thanks so much for any thoughts.

 

[kelscross]

Call the airline and ask them about the carry on. I carry an epi pen because I am deathly allergic to bees/wasps but I checked mine as I was not worried in the airport or airplane of my allergy. The airline will be able to tell you. I had to ask them about my DD's breathing treatment machine and they said that had to be checked.

When I went to the parks I had mine in the prescription tube thing and I don't think they really noticed to tell you the truth. If they had I'm sure they would have to let you have it as long as it is in the original prescription container. The same as any medication I suppose if they wanted to question it.

The only thing I watched for was not letting it to get too hot. According to the instructions you should store it no warmer than 86 degrees F. So be careful if you are going in the summer time.

 

[kelscross]

I checked with my cousin this evening. He is one of the supervisors of the security screeners in Columbus. He said as long as you have the original prescription label on the epi pen you should not have a problem at the airport.

Hope that helps

 

[tci1212]

I carried two epi pens into the parks. The security did not question them. Matter of fact, the lady in front of me had 5 with her. She said all of her children have a bee allergy. I also keep my son's Epi pens in their original box.

 

[Barb D]

I flew many times this year with my Epi-Pen. They tell you it's not a problem, and maybe this is just coincidence, but my carry-on got double-screened EVERY TIME I had the Epi-Pen in it, and never when it didn't. I always got through eventually, but it did delay me a bit. I don't need to carry mine on since I know I can avoid seafood in the airport, but if I did want it with me I would probably take it out of my bag and put it in a separate tray so that they can see it clearly without having to put your bag through twice.

 

[zurgswife]

We carry on my sons diabetic supplies...needles, and a new (to us) needle that looks quite similar to an epi pen...never been questioned or had extra security looks...

though my dd's Ipod got her bag a second look...

 

[KathyPem]

I have flown twice since 9/11 with my son and carrying his epi-pen on the plane in our backpack as well as in the parks. He also has peanut allergy. I have never been questioned. I called the airlines the first time adn was told it jsut needed to have the prscription with it so I kept it in the box with the label on it or I am sure your pharmacist could add a label to the plastic tube. Have a great trip.

 

[SueM in MN]

Here's a link to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) website page about travel with medications.
It basically says what everyone has been posting: that injectable meds are allowed and they need to be clearly marked.
It's a good idea to also check with your airline. They have to be at least as strict as the TSA, but sometimes they have more specific requirements than the TSA does.

 

[brookenamysmom]

We just returned from our Disney trip and my daughter has a severe peanut & tree nut allergy. I was concerned of the same thing and called Northwest Airlines. The lady told me to have the doctor write a note stating the need. I did that and I had the pharmacy attach an RX label to the tube as I didn't want to cart the big box with it. I did all that, and I never once was questioned...at the airport or the parks. But I felt better having all the documentation I might need. Hope that helps.